© Michaël A. Bandassak
Patrice Pâtissier
Having worked in several of Montréal’s finest restaurants, Patrice Demers decided to open his own bakery on Notre-Dame Street in the city’s Little Burgundy neighbourhood in 2014. Although he quickly earned a reputation for his delectable cream puffs and magnificent cakes—which are a true testament to his dexterity and savoir-faire—any of his superb creations are worth the trip, from the Kouign-Amann to the banana and buckwheat cake.
© Alison Slattery
Rhubarbe
Comfortably nestled in the Plateau–Mont-Royal district since 2010, pastry chef Stéphanie Labelle quickly won the hearts of Montréalers with her extraordinary pastries, ranging from always-inviting classics to some incredibly innovative creations. You’ll find everything from scones, cookies, croissants and madeleines to beautifully crafted desserts. Don’t leave Rhubarbe without trying the incredible mille-feuille or famous lemon meringue pie!
© Two Food Photographers (Alison Slattery)
Madeleine
The first thing you’re likely to notice when walking into this elegant pastry shop is the mouth-watering confections, perfectly aligned in the streamlined display case. On one side are the day’s puff pastry creations—croissants, chocolatines, danishes, brioches and more—and on the other you’ll find Paris-Brest, Tropéziennes, cream puffs, mille-feuilles and tarts featuring season-inspired flavours. Although you’ll want to indulge in a few on the spot, remember to take some home to enjoy later!
© Alison Slattery
Café Bazin
This quaint bistro is a great spot to enjoy delicious traditional French dishes for lunch or savour the exquisite creations of veteran pastry chef Bertrand Bazin. Café Bazin has every pastry you could ever dream of as well as everything from tarts to mousses, cream puffs and desserts of all varieties. Café Bazin is, without a doubt, one of the city’s finest.
© Two Food Photographers (Alison Slattery)
Sachère Desserts
Discretely tucked away in a seemingly nondescript and tiny location is an absolute gold mine of sweet delights that are as beautiful as they are impressive, and as impressive as they are delicious. If you aren’t immediately enticed by the gorgeous layered cakes—one of pastry chef Sonya’s many specialties—you will no doubt be tempted by the vegan muffins and cakes, the scones or the very epitome of all things pastry—the Sachère Torte.
© Two Food Photographers (Alison Slattery)
Fous Desserts
Although it is clear to many that Fous Desserts is the place to go for the best croissants in the city, you’d be a fool not to try its magnificent desserts, cakes, pies, Paris-Brest and handmade chocolates, not to mention the vast array of pastries that Hiroko Fukuhara and Carolle De Boisvilliers work hard to prepare every day. As a bonus, the pair is also dedicated to using organic and local products whenever and wherever they can.
© Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Marché Artisans
Marché Artisans, located at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, is fortunate to have the recipient of a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) award, Jean-Marc Guillot, heading its team and filling the display case with style. Several signature creations—gourmet bars, kaos, embruns and praline hazelnut cream puffs, to name but a few—are offered alongside seasonal delights such as the honey cheesecake, the jasmine-yuzu cheesecake and a selection of heavenly tarts made with seasonal fruit. The homemade ice cream is also to die for!
© Rodolf Noël / LMGCOM
Maison Christian Faure
Maison Christian Faure is the ultimate in refinement. From the decor to the pastries, chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France recipient Christian Faure pays a beautiful tribute to the French pastry. The house classics include the macaron, éclair, strawberry shortcake, lemon meringue pie, Tropézienne, Paris-Brest and Charlotte aux fruits… all of which are simply irresistible!
Other honorable mentions: Mlle Gâteaux, Patisserie Lawrence V, Le Paltoquet, Duc de Lorraine
Tommy Dion
Tommy is the founder of the blog and gourmet guide Le Cuisinomane, whose mission is to showcase Québec’s local products and gastronomy. With an in-depth knowledge of Montréal’s food scene, his expertise and professionalism make him a trusted source for all the best food spots and experiences in Montréal. In addition to tasting and writing about food, Tommy also creates content for brand, always related to food and gastronomy.